Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX2264EUE

Overview

MAX2264EUE from Maxim Integrated is a 2.7V–5V single-supply, 824–849MHz linear power amplifier IC designed for CDMA/TDMA/PDC cellular-band RF front-ends. It delivers +28dBm output power in high-power mode and +16dBm in low-power mode, achieves 32% PAE at +28dBm and 12% PAE at +16dBm, and maintains ±0.8dB gain stability over –40°C to +85°C - enabling extended talk time in dual-mode cellular phones.

For engineers reviewing the MAX2264EUE datasheet, MAX2264EUE pinout, MAX2264EUE application, or MAX2264EUE equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual-mode PWR-controlled bias architecture, TSSOP-EP package thermal performance, ACPR compliance (–44dBc/–56dBc), and optimized current consumption (40mA avg. in urban CDMA scenario) for battery-constrained handheld transmitters.

Technical Context

The MAX2264EUE implements a two-stage GaAs HBT amplifier with independent bias control for high- and low-power modes via dedicated BIAS1H/BIAS2H and BIAS1L/BIAS2L terminals. Its internal bandgap-referenced bias circuitry enables resistor-programmable gain and ACPR margin without external logic or reference components.

Operation is controlled by the PWR pin (mode select) and SHDN pin (global shutdown), supporting dynamic efficiency scaling across output power levels. The device meets stringent CDMA spectral mask requirements at 824–849MHz with 50Ω input/output matching and requires no external supply switching due to 0.5µA shutdown current.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MAX2264EUE is housed in a 16-pin TSSOP with exposed pad (EP), optimized for RF thermal dissipation and board-level grounding. The exposed slug must be soldered directly to a high-thermal-conductivity ground plane.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar linear RF power amplifier applications.

Compared with MAX2265EUE and SKY77557-31, the MAX2264EUE uniquely balances ultra-low average current (40mA) with dual-mode programmability and proven IS-95/IS-136 compliance - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, battery-limited dual-mode handset designs where firmware can manage PWR/SHDN sequencing.

Availability

MAX2264EUE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular-band CDMA dual-mode phones, TDMA dual-mode phones, power-amplifier modules, and 2-way pagers requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MAX2264EUE includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Maxim Integrated (now part of Analog Devices) is a semiconductor company specializing in analog and mixed-signal ICs for power, sensing, connectivity, and RF applications.

The MAX2264EUE belongs to Maxim's cellular-band linear power amplifier product line, engineered specifically to extend battery life in CDMA/TDMA handsets through adaptive biasing and ultra-low shutdown current.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the PWR pin on the MAX2264EUE?

The PWR pin on the MAX2264EUE selects between high-power and low-power bias modes: driven high to activate BIAS1H/BIAS2H for +28dBm output, and driven low to activate BIAS1L/BIAS2L for +16dBm operation. This enables dynamic efficiency scaling - the MAX2264EUE draws only 40mA in typical urban CDMA use, significantly less than the 90mA required by the MAX2265EUE under identical conditions.

How does the MAX2264EUE achieve ±0.8dB gain stability over temperature?

The MAX2264EUE achieves ±0.8dB gain stability using an internal bandgap-referenced bias circuit that compensates transistor gain drift across –40°C to +85°C. This eliminates the need for external temperature sensors or complex calibration algorithms - a key advantage over discrete PA solutions where gain variation often exceeds ±3dB, forcing overdesign of driver stages and increasing total system current.

Can the MAX2264EUE operate outside the 824–849MHz band?

Yes - the MAX2264EUE supports operation from 750MHz to 1000MHz when input and output matching networks are redesigned, though full characterization (including ACPR, PAE, and gain flatness) is guaranteed only within the 824–849MHz U.S. cellular band. For 900MHz PDC applications, re-optimizing the L/C values in the Figure 1 matching network restores specified performance, as confirmed in Maxim's application notes.

What is the role of the NFP pin on the MAX2264EUE?

The NFP (Noise Filtering Pin) on the MAX2264EUE provides a dedicated node to inject an external RC filter (e.g., RH1 and C3 per Figure 1) that suppresses supply-induced noise from coupling into the RF signal path. When unused, NFP must be left open - connecting it to ground or VCC degrades noise figure and increases spurious emissions. This feature improves AMPS noise power to –138dBm/Hz without requiring additional LDO filtering.

How is thermal management handled in the MAX2264EUE TSSOP-EP package?

The MAX2264EUE uses a 16-pin TSSOP with exposed thermal pad (EP) that must be soldered directly to a high-thermal-conductivity PCB ground plane. With θ_JA = 8°C/W and 4W maximum dissipation (derated above 100°C), proper thermal vias under the slug reduce junction-to-board thermal resistance by >50%. Maxim specifies ≥6 thermal vias (0.3mm diameter, filled) for production designs - insufficient grounding causes gain compression and premature thermal shutdown.